Royals Pitcher Cole Ragans Expected to Undergo Left Elbow Surgery

Kansas City Royals pitcher Cole Ragans is expected to undergo surgery to repair a left elbow impingement, manager Matt Quatraro told reporters Tuesday. The 28-year-old left-hander has been out since early May. Quatraro said Ragans will see another doctor this week to determine the type of surgery and the length of his absence.

Ragans left a May 6 start against the Cleveland Guardians after three innings and was diagnosed with valgus extension overload. He suffered a setback after a rehab start and did not rejoin the team earlier in June. "It's awful," Quatraro said.

"We talk about it all the time when guys get hurt; these guys grind and work, and do it year-round to put themselves in the best position to go out there and compete. Clearly, it's a blow for him and for us. " Ragans is 1-4 with a 4.84 ERA in 2026.

He missed most of the 2025 season due to a left groin strain and a rotator cuff strain. ESPN reported the details of the injury and Quatraro's comments.